A potential reshaping of India’s coaching staff is taking shape, with reports suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir has given the green light to Sairaj Bahutule for a role as spin bowling coach. Bahutule, currently attached to Punjab Kings, has reportedly impressed Gambhir enough to earn the nod after successful discussions between the two. The expectation now is that the appointment could be finalised not long after the conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League season.
Gambhir’s approval and the route to an official deal
With Gambhir reportedly endorsing the idea, Bahutule’s move appears to be moving through its final stages. Reports indicate that Bahutule has already held productive conversations with the India head coach, and that these talks have paved the way for him to join the wider setup.
- Gautam Gambhir is said to have approved Sairaj Bahutule’s appointment as spin bowling coach.
- Bahutule is currently working with Punjab Kings.
- The talks between Bahutule and Gambhir are described as successful.
- The transition is expected to be formalised shortly after the 2026 IPL ends.
Why a specialist spin coach matters for India
The timing of the potential appointment is being linked to India’s struggles against spin on home soil. After losses in the Test series against New Zealand and South Africa, the argument for adding a specialist spin bowling coach has grown louder—particularly to help improve batting output on turning tracks.
India’s coaching group under Gambhir is already set with defined roles, and the proposed addition would complement the existing structure while focusing specifically on spin challenges.
- Sitanshu Kotak is currently the batting coach.
- Morne Morkel serves as the bowling coach.
- T Dilip is the fielding coach.
- Ryan ten Doeschate works as assistant coach.
Bahutule’s connection with India and his past involvement
Bahutule is believed to be highly regarded within coaching circles, which has helped his case. There is also a clear history of him being close to India’s development pathways and senior set-up when required.
- He has previously travelled with India’s junior teams while VVS Laxman was in charge.
- He has been part of the senior India environment on a few occasions.
- Rahul Dravid specifically requested Bahutule’s presence during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
- At 53 years of age, he has played two Tests and three ODIs for India.
One practical factor still in play is the terms of his contract with Punjab Kings. Even so, the overall picture suggests it is largely a matter of time before the arrangement is completed.
India’s spin problems and the road ahead in Sri Lanka
India’s recent defeats have been tied closely to their difficulties against spin. In the 0–3 home sweep against New Zealand, the visitors’ spinners had a decisive impact, with India losing 36 wickets to spin. Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner shared the damage, taking 28 wickets between them, while Glenn Phillips added eight more.
Against South Africa, spin again played a major role across the two Tests. India lost 24 wickets to spin during the series, with Simon Harmer dominating by claiming 17 wickets. Included in that haul was a career-best spell of 6 for 37 in the second Test in Guwahati.
With India already placed in a tight position in the World Test Championship final race, the challenge does not ease after home cricket. A demanding tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled for September, and conditions there typically favour spin. Since Sri Lanka possess a strong spin attack, India’s young batting group will need a clear improvement in performance—particularly against quality turning bowling—to give themselves the best chance of success.
